SKAMANIA COUNTY, Wash. — Beginning on July 2, a devastating wildfire, now referred to as the Tunnel 5 Fire, raged through Skamania County recently, its origins potentially linked directly to the local railway, raising concerns over infrastructure maintenance and the ongoing threat of similar occurrences in the future.
The fire, which consumed large swathes of the region, sent billows of smoke visible from miles away. As first responders and firefighters grappled with the spreading flames, local communities watched in horror as their homes and landscapes were threatened. Residents in the affected areas were evacuated to safety, but not without cost.
Preliminary reports have indicated multiple injuries, although the severity and exact number remain under investigation. A fire 16 years ago happened in the exact same area resulting from Rail grinding by NBSF railcars, which creates sparks. This ignited the dry vegetation 16 years ago, although suspicions remain about the current fire’s cause.
The Tunnel 5 Fire serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of certain areas in Washington to wildfires, especially with the increase in human-made causes like rail and road mishaps. While the exact financial toll of the fire is still being calculated, the emotional and environmental cost has been palpable.
Washington wildfire litigation attorney, Gerald Singleton, expressed his deep sympathy for the situation, stating, “It’s heartbreaking to witness the devastation that these communities are enduring. My thoughts go out to all those affected, and I sincerely hope that lessons are learned to prevent such incidents in the future.”
At least 10 structures were destroyed (mostly homes) and about 500 acres burned before fire fighters were able to control the blaze. More than 1,200 people were evacuated.
In addition, 40 fire engines, 256 firefighters, 5 helicopters, 6 bulldozers and 16 water tenders had to be brought to the scene to fight that fire. This added cost will greatly impact how the legal situation plays out once the culprit is ultimately identified.
Anyone impacted by the Tunnel 5 Fire should contact the wildfire lawyers at Singleton Schreiber by calling 866-331-9303 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.
Tunnel 5 Fire Attorneys
In recent years, Washington State has witnessed a surge in wildfires, causing widespread damage and loss. The dry, hot conditions prevalent in the region, coupled with certain forest management practices, make it susceptible to these raging infernos. Such fires don’t just devour forests but also destroy homes, livelihoods, and sometimes, tragically, take lives.
According to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, in just the past decade, over a million acres have been burned, thousands of homes have been lost, and dozens of lives have been claimed by wildfires. These statistics are sobering, as communities across the state grapple with the dual threat of natural and human-induced fires.
Insurance claims related to wildfire damage have also seen a significant uptick. Homeowners and business owners are often left scrambling to salvage what’s left, facing monumental rebuilding costs and the emotional toll of starting from scratch. And while physical structures can be rebuilt, the scars left on the environment and local ecosystems can take decades to heal, if ever.
According to The Columbian, each fire retardant drop by jet airplane on the Tunnel 5 Fire cost more than $12,000. With the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire costing $40 million to put out, the final tally will be quite high.
The fire was difficult to battle because of the geography. Canyons with 4,000 foot drops in some places made moving in and out of the region near impossible throughout the life of the fire. The danger to the firefighters and other first responders was constant. It got so bad during this fire that all July 4 celebrations were cancelled.
Gerald Singleton, reflecting on the injuries and damage faced by the residents of Skamania County, emphasized, “I firmly believe that those injured and affected by the Tunnel 5 Fire are eligible for compensation. It’s crucial that they reach out to a qualified fire attorney to ensure their rights are protected and they receive the assistance they need in these trying times.”
If you’ve been injured or had property damaged by the Tunnel 5 Fire, contact the Skamania wildfire lawyers at Singleton Schreiber by calling 866-331-9303 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.
